Jordyn Makar (37 - she/her), Maxwell (5.5), Emanuel (3), and Shoshana-(15 mo)
Philadelphia, PA
“I experienced a miscarriage at 8 weeks before getting pregnant with Max
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
I gained 80 pounds with each of my pregnancies. It has been challenging with still feeling comfortable, happy or sexy in my body but at the same time i feel completely in awe of what it is capable of doing. Every day i feel like i am getting closer to feeling like myself.
What was your postpartum experience?
I would say my overall postpartum time is really wonderful. I love new babies and so does my husband. We had 3 beautiful births, the first was a home birth transfer after 36 hours. The next two were born at home in our bed. My husband’s hands were the first to touch Max and Manny as he caught them. My doula caught shoshi because I couldn’t possible let go of my husband while pushing her. I wasn’t able to breastfeed my first son because of a breast reduction i had when i was 19. We used donor milk which was unexpectedly beautiful and the other two were exclusively breastfed and that was such an affirming experience for me. With shoshi, I did experience postpartum anxiety for the first time and that was extremely challenging. With the help of my husband, therapy and an exceptional village of women I seem to be on the other side of it.
What is your truth that you'd pass along to your former self, or a new parent?
That going back to your old body is not actually a thing. We brought a child into the world, from that point on we are changed forever and for the better. So, we don’t want to go back but rather move forward with love and patience with our new body, the one that has done amazing things.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I have followed this project for so many years. It has helped me a lot with my journey towards body acceptance. I never really thought i would get an opportunity to be a part of it.